As Americans, there is no limit to the number of products we use on a daily basis. Automobiles, medications, tools, household appliances, and more are a critical part of most of our daily routines. But products don’t always function like they are supposed to, and sometimes, the consumer ends up suffering for it. 

Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers are responsible for ensuring that their products are safe for consumers. Product liability lawsuits may arise when people are injured or suffer damage from defective products. There are numerous reasons why defective or dangerous products reach the public market. Errors in manufacturing or printing may result in defective components or incorrect labels, and negligent design or the absence of safety warnings may lead to serious injury. 

Often, people struggle to understand when a company can be held liable for injuries caused by its products or when it is worth pursuing a personal injury case. Navigating these lawsuits and pursuing appropriate compensation will require a comprehensive understanding of the applicable laws, along with effective planning and execution. 

What Is a Defective Product?

Product liability laws exist to protect consumers from unsafe consumer products and to provide a means of obtaining compensation when harm occurs. Some of the most common types of product defects include:

• Marketing Defects: Merchandise must be accompanied by adequate instructions and warnings that inform consumers of the potential risks associated with its use.
• Manufacturing Defects: Products may deviate from their intended design, be built with substandard components, or suffer other defects during the production process, which may lead to safety issues. 
• Design Defects: If an item’s design is unsafe, it will pose a risk to consumers even if it is manufactured as outlined. 

Some of the most common defective products that may be addressed through product liability claims are:

• Auto Parts: Seatbelts, airbags, brakes, tires, engines, and steering components are all crucial to the safe operation of a motor vehicle. If mechanisms, designs, or installations are not handled properly, people may be at risk of serious injury or death due to motor vehicle collisions.
• Medical Products: Medications require proper testing, and they can affect people differently depending on their medical history and biology. Visible and accurate warning labels are essential to preventing life-threatening complications. Surgical tools, blood clot instruments, and other medical devices can also put patients at risk when they are defective or when they are not used as intended or designed.
• Tools and Appliances: Ovens, washing machines, refrigerators, drills, and other household appliances or tools may cause burns, electric shock, or other types of damage if they are improperly designed or manufactured. Heavy-duty tools, such as those used by construction workers, must be built for long-term use, and when defective, they can cause serious injury to users or bystanders.
• Toys and Electronics: Laptops, tablets, smartphones, chargers, and other electronics may have issues with batteries, wiring, or other electrical components. Children’s toys, whether electronic or not, can contain choking hazards, sharp objects, or toxic materials unsuitable for small children. Strollers, baby swings, cribs, and car seats must be designed and manufactured with great care, and they can cause serious harm if they are defective.

A successful product liability claim must usually prove the existence of a defect, a direct link between the defect and the plaintiff’s injuries and damages, and the extent of the damages that occurred, including physical harm, financial losses, or emotional distress.

When Do I Have a Legitimate Product Liability Claim?

There are generally three different categories of product liability claims:

• Negligence focuses on proving that the designer, manufacturer, or retailer failed to prevent a predictable risk of harm. An individual or individuals in the supply chain may be held liable if they knew or should have known about the defect or potential risks.
• Strict Liability claims examine the item’s condition after it leaves the manufacturer’s control. Victims may have valid claims even if they cannot prove negligence. 
• Breach of Warranty alleges that a product did not meet the express guarantee of the seller or manufacturer. Since almost all merchandise sold in the United States is covered by a warranty, sellers must meet the promised standards of quality. 

As a type of personal injury litigation, product liability claims place the burden of proof on the victim, and they may involve complex, drawn-out legal proceedings. By utilizing expert testimony, a record of previous incidents, and product testing results, the plaintiff may demonstrate that they suffered direct harm or damages caused by a product defect. In class-action lawsuits, multiple victims may file a claim together against a manufacturer, which can strengthen the case and help ensure that the liable parties are held responsible for the harm caused by defective products.

Disclaimer: The content in this article is provided for general knowledge. It does not constitute legal advice, and readers should seek advice from qualified legal professionals regarding particular cases or situations.